The Centre today warned the Vedanta group that it can be prosecuted if it resorts to “illegal mining” of bauxite at Niyamgiri in Orissa since it has been given only in-principle approval. “They have got environmental approval in-principle. They have not got full forest clearance. If mining is taking place in Niyamgiri, then it is illegal,” Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh said in the Rajya Sabha.Replying to a debate on the working of his ministry, he said the ‘in principle’ nod given to the group would not mean sanction for the mining operations.
Ramesh said all applications for mining in forest areas would require not only the forestry clearances but also evidence that provisions of the Tribals Rights Act have been complied with.
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